The World’s Most Winningest Rally Engine — Carmudgeon w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 209
About this episode
A deep dive into the legacy of Claudio Lombardi, the mastermind behind some of the most successful rally engines, including the Fiat twin cam. Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott discuss Lombardi's impact on motorsport and his innovative designs that led to numerous rally championships. They also share insights from Jason's recent visit to Gordon Murray's GMA, highlighting Murray's engineering philosophy and the unique characteristics of his cars. The episode blends personal anecdotes with technical discussions, making it a fascinating listen for those interested in automotive history and engineering.
winterizing a car
"...I winterized a car yesterday. Is that what you have a jacket on? Yes. This is the hangover from winterizing a car"
Winterizing a car means getting it ready for winter so it runs well in cold weather. This includes checking things like the battery and making sure the antifreeze is full to prevent freezing.
Winterizing a car involves preparing it for the colder months to ensure it operates efficiently and reliably. This can include checking the battery, antifreeze levels, and tire conditions, as well as using winter-grade oil and ensuring the wipers and lights are functioning properly.
Battery Tender
"This episode of The Car Engine Show is sponsored by a battery tender. A battery tender makes battery maintainers and battery chargers and also jumper boxes that are built in with battery chargers."
Battery Tender is a company that makes devices to help keep car batteries charged. They have chargers that you can plug in to make sure your battery doesn't die when you're not using your car.
Battery Tender is a brand that specializes in battery maintainers and chargers, designed to keep car batteries charged and in good condition during storage or periods of inactivity.
Porsche 911S
"I saw a couple of 911s. I saw a, an Alpha spider, beautiful, like 70s Alpha spider."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for many years. It's known for its unique shape and powerful performance.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964. It is known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, making it one of the most iconic sports cars in automotive history.
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
"...a spider. I did much better. I saw a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow just being driven around in London. Oh, I was go..."
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a very fancy car known for its luxury and comfort. It's made by Rolls-Royce, a brand famous for creating high-end vehicles.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a luxury sedan produced from 1965 to 1980, known for its opulent design and smooth ride. It marked a significant shift in Rolls-Royce's production methods and is celebrated for its craftsmanship and elegance.
Bentley S1 Continental
"I saw an S1, a Bentley S1 Continental."
The Bentley S1 Continental is a fancy car made in the 1950s, known for being very stylish and comfortable to drive.
The Bentley S1 Continental is a luxury grand tourer produced from 1955 to 1959, known for its elegant design and powerful performance. It was one of the first Bentleys to feature a more streamlined body style.
Ferrari 246 Dino
"I saw a Rosso Dino, an orange Ferrari 246 Dino with flares and chairs just sitting in traffic."
The Ferrari 246 Dino is a classic sports car from the late 1960s, known for its great looks and performance.
The Ferrari 246 Dino is a classic sports car produced from 1969 to 1972, known for its mid-engine layout and beautiful design. It was named after Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredino 'Dino' Ferrari.
Renault
"...my sort of first intro to Peugeot, Renault and all these other brands that we just didn't have in the U.S. And I've kept up with everything..."
Renault is a car brand from France that makes many kinds of vehicles, including small cars and vans. They are known for trying new ideas in their designs.
Renault is another French automotive manufacturer that produces a wide variety of vehicles, from compact cars to commercial vehicles. The brand is known for its focus on innovation and sustainability.
Peugeot
"...my sort of first intro to Peugeot, Renault and all these other brands that we just didn't have in the U.S. And I've kept up with everything..."
Peugeot is a car brand from France that makes different types of cars. They have been around for a long time and are known for their unique designs.
Peugeot is a French automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. The brand has a long history and is recognized for its innovative designs and engineering.
Toyota
"...we had weird cars. Yes. And Toyotas, foreign jobs..."
Toyota is a well-known car brand from Japan that makes cars that are usually very reliable and good on gas. They are one of the biggest car companies in the world.
Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. The brand is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world and has a strong reputation for quality.
F1
"And we're up against like the F1 movie. And there's a movie with Tom Cruise, whatever, Top Gun or whatever the fuck."
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a type of car racing that takes place on tracks around the world. It's known for fast cars and skilled drivers.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
engineering
"...cars are built and maintained and worked on and engineered and all that other stuff. Facility was 10 out of 10 gorgeous from start to finish..."
Engineering is the process of designing and building cars. It involves making sure the car works well, is safe, and looks good. Engineers think about how to make cars better in many ways.
Engineering in automotive terms refers to the design and development of vehicles, focusing on aspects like performance, safety, and aesthetics. It encompasses everything from the structural integrity of the car to the efficiency of its components.
Gordon Murray
"...because he's Gordon Murray. He designed everything in it. He did the interior decorating..."
Gordon Murray is a famous car designer and engineer. He is known for creating some really fast and special cars, like the McLaren F1, and is respected for his innovative ideas about how to make cars lighter and better.
Gordon Murray is a renowned automotive engineer and designer, best known for his work on high-performance cars, including the McLaren F1. He has a reputation for innovation in lightweight vehicle design and engineering excellence.
aerodynamics
"from design to arrow to building an engine to building a transmission to making the user interface to making it sellable, saleable. The entire process from A to Z, there is probably one person on the planet. You can do it."
Aerodynamics is about how air moves around cars. Good aerodynamics helps cars go faster and use less fuel by reducing air resistance.
Aerodynamics refers to the way air interacts with moving objects, particularly vehicles. It plays a crucial role in vehicle design, affecting performance, fuel efficiency, and stability at high speeds.
Mclaren F1
"...that happened with the McLaren F1 and it's happening again now with the GMA. It's just such an incredible experience to interact..."
The McLaren F1 is a very famous sports car that was made in the 1990s. It's known for being really fast and having a unique design, making it one of the best cars ever built.
The McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar known for its innovative design and engineering, featuring a lightweight carbon fiber structure and a powerful BMW-sourced V12 engine. It is often regarded as one of the greatest sports cars of all time, with a focus on performance and driving experience.
T50
"...if I driven either F1 or T50. And I said, no. And the reason I haven't driven an F1 yet is you're only a virgin once..."
The T50 is a supercar created by a famous car designer named Gordon Murray. It's built to be very light and fast, making it a thrilling car to drive.
The T50 is a supercar designed by Gordon Murray, known for its lightweight construction and high-revving V12 engine. It aims to provide an engaging driving experience with a focus on driver involvement and performance.
Gordon T50
"...ars. I said, he asked me if I driven either F1 or T50. And I said, no. And the reason I haven't driven..."
The T.50 is a new supercar designed by a famous car engineer, known for being very light and having a powerful engine. It's made in very small numbers, so it's quite rare.
The Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 is a modern supercar designed by renowned automotive engineer Gordon Murray, known for its lightweight construction and high-revving V12 engine. It aims to deliver an unparalleled driving experience and is limited in production, making it highly exclusive.
Cosworth V12
"that Cosworth at 12,000 RPM Cosworth V12 sounded synthetic and it sounded tuned."
The Cosworth V12 is a powerful engine made by Cosworth, famous for making high-performance engines for racing. It can rev very high, which makes it sound exciting.
The Cosworth V12 is a high-performance engine designed by Cosworth, known for its engineering excellence in motorsport. This engine is capable of high RPMs, providing exceptional power and sound characteristics.
12,000 RPM
"that Cosworth at 12,000 RPM Cosworth V12 sounded synthetic and it sounded tuned."
12,000 RPM means the engine can spin very fast, which helps it produce a lot of power. Sports cars often have engines that can reach high RPMs for better performance.
12,000 RPM refers to the engine's revolutions per minute, indicating how fast the engine can spin. High RPMs are often associated with high performance and power in sports cars.
Lexus LFA
"He said, yeah, the LFA seems contrived. You can tell it's been tuned and..."
The Lexus LFA is a very special sports car made by Lexus, known for its powerful engine and unique design. It was made in limited numbers, making it quite rare and sought after.
The Lexus LFA is a limited-production supercar that was produced from 2010 to 2012, known for its high-revving V10 engine and advanced technology. It represents Lexus's foray into the high-performance market and is celebrated for its engineering and driving experience.
10 millimeter head
"...if there was a blanket rule that there would be no bolts with a larger than a 10 millimeter head on the entire car. If you needed something larger than 10 millimeter, you had to go to him and make your case."
A '10 millimeter head' is a measurement of how big the top part of a bolt is. In cars, using smaller bolts can help make them lighter, which is important for performance.
The term '10 millimeter head' refers to the size of the bolt's head, which is a common specification in automotive engineering. In this context, it indicates a focus on weight reduction by limiting the size of fasteners used in the construction of the car.
Porsche Boxster
"about this car is that it is physically smaller than a new Porsche Boxster. Yet it has a 6.1 liter V12 in there."
The Porsche Boxster is a small sports car that is fun to drive. It's designed to be lightweight and has a convertible top.
The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine roadster known for its sporty performance and handling. It's a popular model in the Porsche lineup, offering a balance of luxury and driving excitement.
Ferrari F40
"...r than an XJ220. It's six inches narrower than an F40, even though it seats three people, like it's ju..."
Jaguar XJ220
"...wing. It's like, it's over a foot shorter than an XJ220. It's six inches narrower than an F40, even thou..."
The Jaguar XJ220 is a very fast and powerful sports car from the 1990s. It was designed to be super quick and was once the fastest car you could buy.
The Jaguar XJ220 is a supercar that was produced in the early 1990s, originally conceived as a race car before becoming a street-legal model. It was notable for its twin-turbo V6 engine and was once the fastest production car in the world.
48 volt motor generator
"Like it's got a 48 volt motor generator in the back. The T50."
A 48 volt motor generator helps power the car's electrical systems and can also help save energy. It's used in some modern cars to make them more efficient.
A 48 volt motor generator is an electrical component that can both generate electricity and provide power to various systems in a vehicle. It's often used in hybrid and electric vehicles to improve efficiency and performance.
Alpine A110
"he hopped into his blue Alpine A110 and fucked right off out of the parking lot."
The Alpine A110 is a small sports car that's very fun to drive. It's designed to be light and quick, making it great for sharp turns and fast driving.
The Alpine A110 is a lightweight sports car known for its agile handling and performance. It features a mid-engine layout and is designed for driving enthusiasts.
Ferrari 308 GT4
"Was the 308 GT4 there? The 308 GT4, yes, it was."
The Ferrari 308 GT4 is a classic sports car from Ferrari. It's known for being fast and has a unique look that many car fans love.
The Ferrari 308 GT4 is a mid-engine sports car that was produced in the 1970s and 1980s. It features a distinctive design and is known for its performance and handling.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
"But his favorite is the Alpha. The Busso twin cam four-cylinder, the Giulietta."
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a small car that is fun to drive and looks stylish. It has been made in different versions over the years.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a compact car known for its sporty design and performance. The model has a rich history and has been produced in various forms since the 1950s.
naturally aspirated engine
"a large naturally aspirated engine. And so he instead, Lempreti designed a large, you know,"
A naturally aspirated engine gets its air from the atmosphere without any extra help from turbochargers or superchargers. This makes it simpler and often gives a smooth power delivery.
A naturally aspirated engine relies on atmospheric pressure to draw air into the combustion chamber, as opposed to using a turbocharger or supercharger. This type of engine typically offers a more linear power delivery and is often favored for its simplicity and responsiveness.
Ferrari 250 Europa
"It was used in the 250 Europa in three-liter form and it was used in the 410."
The Ferrari 250 Europa is a vintage sports car from the 1950s that has a powerful three-liter engine. It's known for its speed and beautiful design.
The Ferrari 250 Europa is a classic sports car that features a three-liter V12 engine, known for its performance and design. It is part of the iconic 250 series that Ferrari produced in the 1950s.
Ferrari 410
"It was used in the 410. And all those cars are really, really beastly, 340, 375."
The Ferrari 410 is a classic sports car that has a strong engine and is famous for its racing history. It's one of the notable models from Ferrari.
The Ferrari 410 is a high-performance sports car that features a powerful V12 engine. It is known for its racing pedigree and is part of Ferrari's rich history in motorsport.
Ferrari 12
"...ink of as the sort of classic 50s and 60s and 70s Ferrari 12 cylinder engines. And then that even became, jus..."
The Ferrari 812 Superfast is a very fast and luxurious sports car with a big engine. It's designed for people who love speed and high-end features.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast is a high-performance grand tourer that features a powerful V12 engine and advanced aerodynamics. Launched in 2017, it represents the pinnacle of Ferrari's engineering and design, combining speed with luxury.
Fiat 124 Spider
"...ne ever. And so this engine was used in the Fiat 124 Spider, where it did rally a little bit, not terribly su..."
The Fiat 124 Spider is a small convertible car that is fun to drive. It has a sporty look and was popular in racing events.
The Fiat 124 Spider is a classic convertible sports car that was first introduced in the 1960s and is known for its stylish design and spirited performance. It has a rich motorsport heritage, including success in rallying.
Lancia Stratos
"...t, not terribly successfully, because the Lancia Stratos arrived. And then the Stratos gave way to the 131..."
The Lancia Stratos is a famous rally car from the 1970s known for its unique shape and speed. It was very successful in racing and is loved by car fans.
The Lancia Stratos is a legendary rally car that was produced in the 1970s, famous for its distinctive wedge shape and incredible performance on the rally circuit. It won multiple World Rally Championships and is considered one of the greatest rally cars of all time.
Audi Quattro
"...l into the 90s, because that was also in the Tipo Quattro cars, Alpha 164, used the Lombardi. Yes, never s..."
The Audi Quattro is a sporty car that can drive well in all kinds of weather because it has all-wheel drive. It was very important in car racing and changed how cars are made.
The Audi Quattro is a revolutionary all-wheel-drive sports car that debuted in the early 1980s, significantly influencing the automotive industry and rally racing. It is known for its performance and handling, particularly in challenging weather conditions.
Lancia Beta
".... It's a little more... Hold on, I drove a Lancia Beta. Oh, yeah. A Scorpion, which is a 1.5, I think. ..."
The Lancia Beta is a small car made in the 1970s and 80s, known for its interesting design. It came in different styles, like a coupe or a hatchback.
The Lancia Beta is a compact car produced from the 1970s to the early 1980s, known for its innovative design and engineering. It was available in various body styles and is remembered for its unique styling and driving characteristics.
Mazda Miata
"...driven... I know only the modern 124, which is a Miata. Yes, and turbocharged. No, the turbocharged 1.4..."
BMW E30M3
".... That's why. And people don't... You drive a BMW E30M3 and it's fucking wretched as an engine. So it's ..."
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty version of a regular BMW car. It's known for being really fun to drive and has a powerful engine.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. Since its introduction in the mid-1980s, it has become an icon in the sports sedan segment, celebrated for its driving dynamics.
Alfa Romeo GTV
"... take that same engine or even a two liter from a GTV and then you drive a later injected spider from ..."
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a stylish two-door car that is fun to drive. It has a sporty look and is known for being enjoyable on the road.
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a classic sports coupe that was produced from the late 1960s through the early 2000s, known for its stylish design and spirited performance. It features a range of engines and is celebrated for its engaging driving dynamics.
Volkswagen Golf
"... Mercedes, Porsche, Macan, nonsense. Volkswagen, Golf, Newfangled. Just going to be... That fade me out..."
Porsche Macan
"...charged, Hyundai, Honda, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Macan, nonsense. Volkswagen, Golf, Newfangled. Just goi..."
The Porsche Macan is a small luxury SUV that offers a sporty feel while being practical for everyday use. It's known for its stylish design and high-quality interior.
The Porsche Macan is a compact luxury SUV that combines sporty performance with practicality. Launched in 2014, it has quickly become one of Porsche's best-selling models due to its dynamic handling and upscale interior.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.